Echo through the centuries

Spring came at last, and it was time to embark to an ecopath. Walking in fresh air in the middle of green terrain and the colors that have just awaken is one of the most beautiful and humble moments we can experience. That is why I have always argued that it is important for us to protect and respect nature, so that it can care for us.

The ecopath that we have conquered holds a beautiful name, as the title of the publication shows itself “Echo from a bell ringing.” The trail is located at the foot of the Etropole Mountain, connecting the village of Ribaritsa with the beautiful Etropole Monastery and the Varovitets Waterfall.

The length of the ecopath is 2.5 km and runs between 1.00 and 1.30 hours depending on how fast you walk. There are numerous benches, tables, information boards and children’s playgrounds on the route itself, as you can see on the pictures.

But the true wealth of this place is that it is located on the territory of a century-old forest that keeps patiently and tirelessly life here. We visited this place before all the trees had blossomed, but only by looking, one could imagine the greatness of this place during the other seasons.

The beginning of the ecotrail is located along the road leading to the monastery, that is, when the road is divided into two, one to the village of Ribaritsa and the other to the Etropole monastery, you take the right path. Once past the first few turns you will see the beginning of the path, which is marked with signs and a wooden arch.

The ecopath begins with a pleasant and gentle ascent under the shade of centuries-old trees. There are many places for relaxation along the curves of the river that runs through the forest, where you can sit and enjoy the authentic Bulgarian nature. Continuing along the path, it splits into two, noting here that we took first the left sleeve leading to the waterfall and the other to the monastery. There is no significant difference except that the waterfall path has a steeper climb.

Going to the waterfall along the path, green meadows open, with views of the surrounding mountains, which can only fill the mind and the soul. After a nice refueling, you expect the real part, the ascent along the river and the numerous waterfalls that have formed. Going forward you will hear the true magic of the forest, the echo of the waterfalls, which easily attracts all the attention with its melody.

Once at the waterfall, there are hundreds of ways and places to look at this beauty. Like the waterfall itself, it has a significant 15 meters fall and is visible from a distance.

To share a few words about the monastery. So flocked to the fact that last year I visited this place three times and now once again convinced me that this monastery has such an amazing history and is important for the area. The Etropole Monastery was founded in the Middle Ages in 1158 before connecting the emergence of the monastery with the name of St. Ivan Rilski who settled in one of the caves in the nearby area Varovitets. Also, the Apostle Vasil Levski visited the monastery many times and was hiding from the Ottomans. These are just a few facts about this inspirational corner. The monastery itself is exceptionally well cared for by the priest and a woman volunteer for the whole material condition of the place. Just some additional information -this place is full of very friendly and playful animals, which further contributes to the warmth and beauty of the place. Make a gift to yourself by visiting it.

Useful information:
The distance to the ecopath and the monastery is 60 km, being a suitable destination for a one-day escape from the big city;
The eco-trail is easy to reach and is suitable for elderly people and young children;
The waterfall “works” all year round;
The opening hours of the monastery:

March – October:
7:00 – 8:00 pm
November – February:
8:00 – 17:00

A talk is delivered by the priest in Bulgarian – free of charge;
The monastery offers the possibility to stay overnight an additional information can be obtained by phone: 0878 58 20 89 – Father Emil, or in their official website, as it has exposed pictures of their material base here (but it is only in bulgarian);